The Low Temperature for Jade Plants

by Lynn Anders

Jade plants can thrive as houseplants or patio plants.

The jade plant (Crassula argentea), a native to South Africa, is now a familiar garden and houseplant around the world, largely due to how easy it is to care for. It's tolerant of poor sandy soil, prefers to be root bound in a pot and doesn't need too much watering. With minimal care, these plants can live for decades. Only in regions where the temperatures are extreme, do you even have to worry about the temperature in which to keep your jade plant. Jade plants actually need some exposure to cooler temperatures in the winter to thrive.

Hardy Zones

The jade plant is considered hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11, with temperature ranges of 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Throughout much of the West Coast and southern states, the jade plant can live outdoors even in the winter.

Best Temperatures for Jade Plants

Jade plants will tolerate lower temperatures and even prefer the lower temperatures of about 45 to 55 F in the winter, reports horticulturist Ron Smith of North Dakota State University. However, most jade plants sold in the U.S. are not tolerant of temperatures below 40 F.

Cold Temperature Damage

If exposed to frost or low temperatures for too long, your jade may appear limp. If this occurs, you may just need to wait and see if the plant revives. Cut back any stems that turn black or appear rotted. Don’t be tempted to overwater the plant to revive it; let the soil dry out before watering. Bring it indoors into a room that gets good ambient sunlight.

Protection from Cold Temperatures

If you live in an area where temperatures regularly drop below 45 F, you should keep your jade plant in a pot and bring it indoors for the winter. You can move it back outdoors in the spring when temperatures are regularly above 45 F. If you live in a region where temperatures only sometimes drop too low for your jade, then it will probably be fine outdoors with some protection from frost, such as bringing it onto a covered patio, covering it with cloth, or stringing Christmas lights onto the plant.

About the Author

Lynn Anders has more than 15 years of professional experience working as a zookeeper, wildlife/environmental/conservation educator and in nonprofit pet rescue. Writing since 2007, her work has appeared on various websites, covering pet-related, environmental, financial and parenting topics. Anders has a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies and biology from California State University, Sacramento.

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